MARGARET SWANBERG
Margaret was born June 13, 1910, in Hazelton, Iowa.
Margaret Miner Swanberg, 101, died Monday April 2, 2012 at her home at Mount Royal Pines III .
Margaret was born June 13, 1910, in Hazelton, Iowa. Her parents were Frank Miner and Ada Barnes Miner.
Margaret attended elementary schools in Iowa. Graduated from East High School, Waterloo, Iowa in 1927. Bachelor's Degree from University of Northern Iowa, Masters Degree in early childhood education and administration-University of Michigan, Post Graduate work at University of Chicago.
Educating children was Margaret's, passion; to which she dedicated her 44 year professional life, as a very strong leader.
Her teaching career included kindergarten and primary grades at Pella Iowa, Spenser Iowa, Waterloo, Iowa and Monroe, Mich.
As a university professor she taught in the Education departments of Miami University-Oxford, Ohio, University of Northern Iowa - Cedar Falls, Iowa, University of Wisconsin- Superior, Wis.
Margaret moved to Duluth in 1946 to serve the Duluth School System as Director of Elementary Education and Curriculum. Margaret was the first woman to be named to this district level position and served Duluth children and teachers in this position through many changes in senior school administrators until her retirement in 1973.
Margaret married William S. Swanberg Nov. 25, 1949. Bill Swanberg was owner of William S. Swanberg Insurance and Real Estate Company. Margaret and Bill enjoyed traveling together on vacations until his death in 1977.
As a nationally recognized elementary school reading authority Margaret designed, directed, and implemented a district wide reading program for grades K-6 students in Duluth schools. She was active in local, state, national, and international reading circles and often served as leader and keynote speaker at reading conferences.
As the GI Bill helped many returning veterans obtain college education, Margaret encouraged many young men to enter elementary education as teachers and administrators in Duluth and area elementary schools.
Margaret maintained active membership and leadership positions in a number of organizations dedicated to early childhood development including International Reading Association, The Association of Childhood Education, Association of Supervisors and Directors of Curriculum.
Honors Received: The Duluth Chamber of Commerce for outstanding and dedicated service to the youth of our community, Life Member of The Outstanding American Educators, Recognition by Head Start Parents and Staff for pioneering and contributing to the Duluth Early Childhood Program.
As a very active member at First United Methodist Church she chaired and served on many boards and committees. In the early 1960's as the church laid plans to move up the hill from downtown, she served as the educational consultant to the building committee to design the education spaces. She also was instrumental in acquiring appropriate furniture for the Sunday School rooms.
Margaret was past president and served in many other positions of United Methodist Women.
Margaret is survived and by her second cousin Joann Livingston of Mandeville, La., and many loving friends that she that she developed during her long wonderful life in Duluth.
Margaret's extended family and friends express heartfelt gratitude to all of the caregivers who made it possible for her to continue her last years comfortably at her Mount Royal Pines III home.
MEMORIAL SERVICE: 11 a.m. Friday April 20, 2012 in First United Methodist Church, 230 East Skyline Parkway, Duluth. Pastor David Bard. Internment will be at Park Hill Cemetery.
Suggested Memorial gifts to First United Methodist Church and the Duluth Library Foundation.
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Susan W.
Margaret was such a wonderful individual. I so enjoyed knowing her and working with her in the kitchen for special times at 1st Untied Methodist Church. We were all blessed to know Margaret. May Margaret rest in peace. We will miss knowing she is no longer here on earth, however, know she will be watching over all of us. Blessings go to her family and loved ones. With Sincere Sympathy, Susan Willis Duluth, MNDuluth, MN 04/16/2012 5:25 PM
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